Gearwrench Cobras?

[Fedwrench]

I guess imitation is the highest form of flattery.

You can now add Gearwrench to the list of manufacturers offering push button adjustable water pump pliers like Knipex cobras.

Is there really that much demand for yet another brand of push button water pump pliers?

http://www.gearwrench.com/home/index/view/news/new-push-button-tongue-groove-pliers

I feel Knipex pretty much has the market cornered on these types of pliers. Perhaps Gearwrench is running out of ideas for new products. Although they could make a lot of people happy if they made a standard length version of their fixed boxed end on one side, flex head ratcheting boxed end on the other side wrenches

 

[92integra]

Double agree!

 

[bcradio]

Wonder what they will cost

 

[CJM8515]

According to gearwrenchs site the 3pk (8,10, 12") is $125.. Ill take the irwin set with the 8 and 10" for 25 bucks.. Hell even the knipex might be cheaper.

 

[rayh91]

Stupid question. Why are they called water pump pliers?

 

[sharpe427]

Found the Gearwrench at the tool houses for $88 (online); amazon has the Knipex Cobra 3 set for $94

 

[hautpot]

No thanks, I will stick to Knipex as they are primarily a PLIERS manufacturer.

 

[Squankum]

Stupid question. Why are they called water pump pliers?

Friend of mine explained this to me in an email last year:

"Also, Channellock pliers are actually called "water pump pliers" since they were designed to replace the packing in a Model T and A flathead 4 cylinder flathead waterpump. It was a greased/waxed rope seal wrapped around the shaft and tightening a special fitting (with your waterpump pliers) seals it up."


And I think that would be the Model T's that had water pumps.

_

 

[kythri]

I suspect that bit of apocrypha your friend has relayed is inaccurate.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

I suspect that bit of apocrypha your friend has relayed is inaccurate.

''Originally the water pump pliers were used to tighten the packed glands in water pumps in motor vehicles, which is how they got their name.''

http://www.knipex.com/en/pliers-abc/some-know-how-about-pliers/the-water-pump-pliers/

 

[oldldh]

Available for $ 65.00 for the GearWrench #82118 3 pc set...

Not a bad price...

May have to look into a set...

 

[03protege]

If they seem to be a quality tool AND undercut the Knipex Cobras we can talk.

If they are Cheap and **** OR the same price as Knipex and high quality I will just as soon get the Knipex.

 

[shockwave]

These would be good for a road box

 

[Hootbro]

These would be good for a road box

I never understood this statement. Why do people want to go cheap even in a "road box"? What jobs on the road would not necessitate also having quality tools first time out?

 

[Squankum]

I suspect that bit of apocrypha your friend has relayed is inaccurate.

The last sentence of his email, which I did not paste last night, was:

"I have actually done this on a model A within the last 5 or so years."


Also, Knipex link.

I just hope people keep these pliers away from my gland nuts.



-

 

[KnurledNut]

Looks like the same Taiwan manufacturer as Draper Expert pliers...
http://www.drapertools.com/product/47793/Expert-250mm-Push-Button-Heavy-Duty-Waterpump-Pliers

 

[LordPsychon]

My guess is GW contracted with the Knipex manufacturer for the design. I've seen this with rebranded Knipex as Craftsman.

 

[kythri]

I doubt that. I would imagine that whatever patent Knipex had on their design is now expired, so people can copy them.

The GW design is not the same as the Knipex, whereas, as you mentioned, the Craftsman are re-badged Knipex. Built by Knipex for Sears/Craftsman.

 

[Monte]

stay with Knipex

 

[AA/FC]

My guess is GW contracted with the Knipex manufacturer for the design. I've seen this with rebranded Knipex as Craftsman.

The Knipex manufacturer IS Knipex...... So you''re thinking GW contracted Knipex to make their new pliers?

 

[thesilverone]

I agree with Monte. Stay with Knipex.

 

[thesilverone]

My guess is GW contracted with the Knipex manufacturer for the design. I've seen this with rebranded Knipex as Craftsman.

 

[trxrx7]

They are rebranded. the Canadian napa sells them just with yellow handles under the ultra pro line. I have a pair at home, and I have the knipex at work, not even worth comparing, the cobras are still the best on the market, and you can easily get a set of knipex for that money if you look a bit around.

 

[trxrx7]

i should add that I have had that pair of pliers for about a year and a half now so, if gearwrench is only now coming out with that design they are definitely not theirs. Not picking on gearwrench they have great tools for good prices but this is not.

 

[JBradley500]

I found the knipex set of cobras for less than 75 bucks not that long ago.

 

[stage20]

I never understood this statement. Why do people want to go cheap even in a "road box"? What jobs on the road would not necessitate also having quality tools first time out?

not cheap, just less expensive. i keep a 3 drawer carry filled in the back of my truck inside a diamond plate toolbox. it lives there. with the heat and humidity here it takes a beating on tools. no way would i put a set of knipex pliers or a set of snap on wrenches in my truck. too many other variables as well.
most items in my box are second rate craftsman sockets, and channellock pliers that have the rubber handles wore off or a set i bought cheap cause they were rusty(but very usable)

 

[ernie2525]

Wonder what they will cost

Probably 7.34 cents per set LESS than Knipex.....with coupon.
They'll make zillions(here) !